Villa Soro: An Encounter between Nineteenth-Century Architecture and Contemporary Art
Villa Soro: An Encounter between Nineteenth-Century Architecture and Contemporary Art
Architecture and art are two of the key elements that captivate and enchant guests at Villa Soro Hotel of San Sebastián. This establishment with 25 rooms emerged out of the meticulous renovation of a mansion, conceived by the prestigious architect Luis Elizalde at the end of the nineteenth century. The property keeps the spirit of the Belle Époque intact, with its spacious lounges, high ceilings, fireplaces, and a stained-glass window above the entrance depicting the lineage of the family that originally resided in the home. Declared Historical Heritage of the City, it offers a perfect balance between the welcoming atmosphere of a century-old house combined with the services and comfort of a modern luxury hotel.
Its art collection enriches the property with significant works installed both inside the mansion and throughout the grounds. The gardens surrounding the villa —originally designed by Pierre Ducasse, gardener to the Royal Household of Spain— greet visitors with two large-scale sculptures by Iñigo Manterola, whose artistic practice centers around the capture of movement. Once inside, in the former oratory situated along the majestic carved-wood main staircase, a sculpture by Jose Cháfer hangs from the ceiling, engaging in dialogue with the nineteenth-century sacred stained-glass windows and questioning the very concept of balance.
In the halls and common areas, guests encounter numerous additional pieces by Iñigo Manterola and Jordi Alcaraz (who reflects on the notion of volume), as well as works by Eduardo Chillida, the most internationally celebrated Basque artist.
This cultural heritage is complemented by the hotel’s impeccable range of services: a wellbeing area with serene treatment rooms for massages and facial or body therapies; a gym equipped with the latest Technogym technology; a private and exclusive parking area that is ideal for guests discovering the Basque Country on a road trip; bicycles available for exploring San Sebastián’s 65 kilometers of bike lanes; and an elegant bar with two indoor dining rooms and a gardened terrace, perfect for spending the whole afternoon with signature cocktails, top-quality gourmet products, and classic dishes of Basque gastronomy.
Villa Soro Hotel
Ategorrieta Hiribidea 61, San Sebastián.
Tel.: +34 943 297 970
